
If you are looking for a 7018 rod that runs like butter and doesn't fight you on the vertical-up, the Hobart 7018 XLM is the stick electrode you need in your stinger. "XLM" stands for Extra Low Moisture, which technically means it keeps hydrogen out of your weld, but for you, it means a rod that starts easy, burns smooth, and doesn't stick when you try to restrike. It’s built to handle the tough jobs where X-ray quality is required, but it’s friendly enough to make any welder look good.
One of the biggest headaches with standard 7018s is the slag. Some rods make you chip and hammer until your arm is tired. The Hobart 7018 XLM is different; the slag often curls up and peels off on its own, or comes off with a light rake of your chipping hammer. This saves you time and frustration, especially when you are making multiple passes on heavy structural steel. The arc is quiet and stable, keeping spatter to a minimum so you spend less time grinding BBs and more time burning rod.
This 1/8-inch rod is the workhorse size for general fabrication, pipe welding, and heavy equipment repair. It runs great on DCEP but handles AC machines beautifully too, preventing arc blow in tight corners. Whether you are welding out on a windy job site or in the shop, the 50lb can keeps your rods dry and ready to perform. From shipbuilding to fixing a bucket on a loader, trust Hobart 7018 XLM to lay down a bead that holds strong and looks professional.
| Additional Information |
|---|
| Brand:Hobart |
| AWS Spec:E7018-1 |
| Diameter:3.2mm (1/8") |
| Packaging Description:50lb can |
| Polarity:AC/DCEP |
| Position:All |
| Amp Range:100-160 A |
| Rod Type:Stick Electrode |
| Coating Type:Low Hydrogen Iron Powder |
| Hydrogen Designation:H4R |
| Tensile Strength:70,000 psi min |
| Yield Strength:58,000 psi min |
| Impact Toughness:High Impact at -45°C |